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Despite all we think we know about health care these days, myths still persist about how to deal with the most common of all illnesses—cold and flu. According to Dr. Lewis A. Brown, old wives’ tales, such as "sudden changes in outside temperatures can cause you to catch a cold," may not be true. Read on to see if you can separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Anytime you attract a cold or flu, call your doctor.
Truth: Cold or flu should work itself out of your |
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| system after about seven days. You should consult with your doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week, or if you experience any of the following symptoms: severe hoarseness, severe sore
throat,
greenish or dark-yellow discharge from the nose, or intense ear pain. |
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Myth: New prescription drugs released on the market for flu this winter will knock
out colds as well.
Truth: New drugs have been developed to help fight flu, but they don't treat colds.
And, even if you take a flu drug, you still may get symptoms, such as coughs and
nasal congestion, that can be treated by over-the-counter medications such as the VicksŪ family of products. |
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Myth: Cold misery takes its course, and nothing you do makes much of a
difference.
Truth: True, there is no cure for colds. However, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medicines, such as the Vicks family of products, to help offer comforting symptom relief. |
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Myth: If someone in my family gets sick, everyone else soon will be sick.
Truth: While you can't completely prevent the spread of respiratory illness, there
are precautions you can take. For example, wash your hands frequently to control the spread of germs. |
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Myth: Flu shots are only for those at high risk of respiratory problems, such as the elderly.
Truth: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, vaccination is a
powerful weapon for anyone hoping to reduce their likelihood of contracting the
flu. Studies have shown the vaccine's effectiveness rate to be 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults. Consult your doctor for advice. |
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